NSS Labs' study detailed that "Internet Explorer 8 and Firefox 3 were the most consistent in the high level of protection they offered", with Apple's Safari 4 performing the poorest in every test.

Interestingly Microsoft funded the entire report, casting doubt over the findings' legitimacy. NSS Labs did respond on the topic of sponsorship, stating that in order to carry out projects such as these, monetary support was required, and that they "invited Google, Mozilla, Apple and Opera to participate" but none of which responded.

And even if Internet Explorer is as safe as this report suggests, it still has some way to come before it’s as fast as it’s rivals.